Terrorist Safe Havens and the Next ISIS

Although al Qaeda is no longer a priority for policymakers, the organization continues to thrive. Similarly, while ISIS has lost territory in Iraq and Syria, it has spread its tentacles around the globe. As communities around the world become vulnerable to radicalization and recruitment to violent extremism, the global networks of these two organizations are likely to re-emerge unless governments engage in preventive measures in the near term. This policy brief offers a reality check on al Qaeda and ISIS by examining the factors that enable these two transnational jihadist entities to sustain themselves.

It offers the following insights:

Underscores how “safe havens” represent a critical challenge in dealing with the most virulent strands of terrorism

Explains how despite the recent degradation of ISIS, the jihadist threat will persist in sanctuaries around the world

Details how Libya and the Philippines have become the latest jihadist infestations

Recommends policy prescriptions that can help effectively deconstruct and eventually eradicate jihadist infrastructures